Issue 38
Thursday, October 29, 2020
Prince William County
Dear Neighbors,

For at least the next week, the attention of our county, state, country and even across the globe is going to be on our upcoming election. While Presidential election years always generate the most interest and highest voter turnout, this one has certainly taken it to newfound heights.

Throughout this year the Wheeler Report has featured numerous articles on different topics connected to the voting process. We've explained recent changes to the voting process in general and kept you updated on ones due to COVID-19. As is always the case, our goal has been for you to be informed.

So, as we collectively approach the voting finish line, I wanted to ensure you were set up for success in casting your vote. Therefore, I devoted this entire issue to capturing everything you should know. Please share it with others.

Thank you to those who have already voted! To those who haven't, don't delay, make your plan now! Tuesday, November 3rd is not the first day you can vote but the last.

In Service,
Chair Ann Wheeler
Your Ballot
What's On Your Ballot
All PWC ballots include candidates for President, Vice President, Senate and House of Representatives. The county encompasses three congressional districts, so your candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives is based on where you reside. All PWC ballots also have two state-wide Constitutional Amendments.

Need To Confirm Your Congressional District
Use the link below to find out your district! Submit your name, date of birth, and last 4 of your SSN. Then scroll down on the results screen to find your congressional district number.
Get Your Sample Ballot
Now that you know your congressional district, use the links below to see, download and/or print a sample of the ballot you will be given.
Town of Dumfries
If you live in the Town of Dumfries, your ballot will also include selecting up to three candidates for the Dumfries Town Council. Use the link below to see, download and/or print a sample of the ballot you will be given.
The Candidates
Now that you have your sample ballot, use the links below if you would like to learn more about the candidates (in ballot order) from their official websites or Facebook pages. You can learn more about the Constitutional Amendments via the link below, you will need to scroll down the website to see both.

Presidential and Vice Presidential Candidates

United States Senate Candidates
Democratic Party: Mark R. Warner
Republican Party: Daniel M. Gade

House Of Representatives 1st District Candidates
Democratic Party: Qasim Rashid
Republican Party: Robert J. Wittman

House Of Representatives 10th District Candidates
Democratic Party: Jennifer T. Wexton
Republican Party: Aliscia N. Andrews

House Of Representatives 11th District Candidates
Democratic Party: Gerald E. "Gerry" Connolly
Republican Party: Manga A. Anantatmula

Town Council Member(s) - Town of Dumfries Candidates

Early In-Person Voting
Early in-person voting is available at 8 locations across the county (see map) through Saturday, October 31 at 5:00 pm, in accordance with the state mandate. There will be no early voting available on Monday, November 2.

Accessible equipment and/or curbside voting is available upon request at all early in-person voting locations. Below you can find the details on hours, locations, and what you need to bring to be eligible to cast your vote.

Hours:
  • Monday through Thursday 8:30 am to 7:00 pm
  • Friday and Saturday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm

The Locations:
  • Haymarket Gainesville Library, 14870 Lightner Road
  • Office of Elections, 9250 Lee Avenue, Suite 1
  • DMV Woodbridge, 2731 Caton Hill Road 
  • McCoart Administration Building, 1 County Complex (curbside only)
  • Ferlazzo Building, 15941 Donald Curtis Drive
  • Piney Branch Elementary School, 8301 Linton Hall Road
  • Colgan High School, 13833 Dumfries Road
  • Dumfries Town Hall, 101 S. Main Street

You need to have an acceptable ID to cast your vote. This also applies to Election Day. Here is a link to a list of acceptable IDs in Virginia.
Frequently Asked Questions
  • What if I requested an absentee ballot but now want to vote in person? Bring the absentee ballot with you and give it to the election official who will then allow you to cast your vote. If you do not have the absentee ballot, you can cast a provisional vote which will be counted after the Office of Elections confirms you have not voted absentee.
  • What if I don't have my acceptable ID? You can cast a provisional ballot and will be given written instructions from an election official on how to submit a copy of your identification. You may also sign and submit an ID Confirmation Statement to ensure your vote can be counted. More details can be found here.
Absentee (Drop-off or Mail-in) Voting
If you requested an absentee ballot by the October 23 deadline extension, below you'll find the information to complete and return your ballot.

Completing Your Absentee Ballot
  • Be sure to sign the declaration on the return envelope. 
  • Witness signature or notary requirements are waived for this election. Your ballot will not be rejected due to a missing witness signature. This overrides any instructions on your ballot envelopes regarding witness signatures.
  • Seal inner and outer envelopes.

Returning Your Absentee Ballot
  • Drop-off: All early voting locations and precincts on Election Day have absentee ballot drop off boxes, which are secured and manned. Your absentee ballot needs to be completed and the envelope sealed. Your envelope will be stamped and you will be given a receipt. The deadline for returning your absentee ballot in person is 7:00 pm on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3.
  • Mail-in (see note below): Postage is prepaid, so you don’t need a stamp. Your ballot will be counted if it is postmarked by Election Day and received by the registrar by 12:00, noon on Friday, November 6. 
Critical Information If You Have Not Returned Your Absentee Ballot
If you still need to return your absentee ballot, you are strongly encouraged to return it in person at an early voting location or a precinct on Election Day.
Checking On Your Absentee Ballot Status
To confirm your absentee ballot has been approved, go to the Virginia Department of Elections website and enter your name, date of birth, and last 4 of your SSN. Scroll down on the results screen for your absentee vote status.
Voting On Election Day
Know Your Voting Precinct
If you are unsure of your voting precinct, go to the Virginia Department of Elections website and enter your name, date of birth, and last 4 of your SSN. Scroll down on the results screen to find your voting precinct.

Precinct Operations
  • Election Day is Tuesday, November 3
  • Hours are 6:00 am to 7:00 pm
  • Precincts will remain open until everyone who is in line by 7:00 pm casts their vote
  • Returning of your absentee ballot in person is the same as early voting
  • ID requirements are same as early voting
  • Frequently asked questions are same as early voting
Voting Healthy Tips
If You Are Voting Absentee:
  • If you are returning your ballot at a mailbox or drop box, wash your hands afterwards with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
  • If you are dropping off your ballot at a voting location, practice physical distancing, wear face covering to protect yourself and others, and wash your hands before and after you drop off your ballot.

If You Are Voting In-Person Early Or On Election Day:
  • Practice physical distancing and stay 6 feet away from poll workers and other voters.
  • Wear a mask or other face covering to protect yourself, election workers, and other voters.
  • Avoid touching your mask or face.
  • Before and after voting, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
  • If you are sick or concerned that you have been exposed to the coronavirus, seek medical care and contact the Office of Elections, 703-792-6470, for guidance about your voting options.
Tracking The Election Results
The Department of Elections publishes unofficial results to its website on the night of the election. Local general registrar offices enter their results into the Department’s centralized results reporting system, which publishes the updated results every 10 minutes to the website. Use the tabs across the top of the results form to obtain specific information.
Ann B. Wheeler was elected Chair At-Large of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors during the 2019 General Election and assumed office on January 1, 2020. Prince William County is located 25 miles south of Washington, D.C., and is the Commonwealth of Virginia’s second-most populous county with approximately 470,000 residents.